Erlus is an industry pioneer in tile logistics
24.01.2024
Customer and employee-friendly thanks to automation: with the new 30 metre high-bay warehouse in Neufahrn, Erlus has become a pioneer in the roof tile industry in the rapid picking of accessories. The modern logistics centre accommodates 8,400 pallets in four aisles on 14 floors. After a construction period of just 20 months, operations will begin in early 2024: in future, tiled roofs will be picked automatically in the building, quickly, employee-friendly and quietly - because "the goods come directly to the people".
"We have invested in the future," emphasises Martin Eisenreich, Commercial Director of Erlus AG. He was already project manager of the logistics centre as Purchasing Manager and sees the new building as a major improvement and work facilitation for loading. "As far as I know, the logistics centre makes us the first and only roof tile manufacturer in the world to use an automated high-bay warehouse for order picking."
Chief Technical Officer Dr Rüdiger Grau adds: "The significantly improved working conditions for our employees are one thing, the safe packaging of the branded accessories and the shorter downtimes are another. This investment will save our customers a significant amount of time when it comes to customised roof assembly."
Construction of the logistics centre began in April 2022 after the municipality of Neufahrn approved this highly visible building. As it was built directly on an existing storage area, no further soil had to be sealed. Start of operations at the logistics centre in January 2024, with trial operations running since November 2023. This will mark the end of hand-picking for Ergoldsbach roof tiles after more than 180 years.
The steel frame of the high-bay warehouse was first built on the construction site using a self-supporting silo construction method, after which two halls made of bricks with pitched roofs and Ergoldsbacher roof tiles were added. These pitched roofs are used to generate electricity via a PV system. The storage and retrieval machines - the heart of the high-bay warehouse - had to be lifted spectacularly over the re-opened roof using an extra-long crane.
"This represents a major, innovative step forward for our sales organisation," says Sales Director Patrick Dietrich. "Every roof is different and the customer's wishes are our top priority. Responding to this at short notice is no longer a problem. The entire loading process is also much faster."
The planning office Franz Holzer from Fürth acted as architect. The construction company Fahrner from Mallersdorf carried out the demolition, civil engineering and structural engineering work and also restored the outdoor facilities. Kocher Stahlbau supplied the shelving system and the sandwich panelling was supplied by WEB Elementbau. Klinkhammer Intralogistics GmbH from Nuremberg took on the role of system integrator, coordinating the logistics systems such as storage and retrieval machines, conveyor technology, labelling machines, automatic shrink bonnet machines and software.
For further information:
Erlus AG
Main street 106
84088 Neufahrn i. NB
Phone: +49 (0)8773 18- 162
